traction control MERCEDES-BENZ CLS 2014 Owners Manual

1, 2,3...
12Vsocket
see Sockets
4ETS
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
TractionSystem)
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive)..................................................193
4MATIC off-road system...................193
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Display message............................238
Function/notes ................................ 66
Important safety notes....................66
Warning lamp ................................. 267
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification.................136
Active BlindSpot Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer)............................228
Display message............................254
Function/information....................211
Active Driving Assistancepackage.211
Active Lane KeepingAssist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer)............................229
Display message............................253
Function/information....................214
Active light function.........................121
Active multicontour seat
Adjusting (on the seat)..................103
Active Parking Assist
Detecting parking spaces..............197
Display message............................254
Function/notes.............................196
Important safety notes..................196
Parking..........................................198
ADAPTIVE BRAKE................................. 72
Adaptive DampingSystem(ADS).....190
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Display message............................248
Function/notes.............................121
Additives (engine oil)........................376
Airbags
Display message............................244
Front airbag (driver, front
passenger).......................................44
Important safety notes....................42
Knee bag .......................................... 45
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp..................................47
Pelvis airbag...................................46
Safety guidelines.............................41
Side impact airbag..........................45
Windowcurtain air bag....................47
Air-conditioningsystem
see Climate control
AIRFLOW...........................................137
AIRMATIC
Display message............................252
Function/notes.............................189
Airvents
Glove box ....................................... 142
Important safetynotes..................142
Rear...............................................143
Setting...........................................142
Setting the center airvents...........142
Setting the sideairvents...............142
Ambient lighting
Setting the brightness (on-board
computer)......................................231
Setting the color (on-board
computer)......................................231
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system................................................ 190
Ashtray...............................................287
Assistancedisplay (on-board
computer)..........................................227
Assistancemenu (on-board
computer)..........................................227
ASSYST PLUS
Displayingaservice message........310
Hidingaservice message..............310
Notes.............................................309
Resetting the service interval
display...........................................310
Service message ............................ 309
Specialservice requirements ......... 310
4Index

Display messages
ASSYST PLUS................................309
Calling up (on-board computer).....237
Driving systems.............................251
Engine ............................................ 248
General notes................................237
Hiding (on-board computer)...........237
KEYLESS-GO..................................262
Lights .............................................245
Safety systems..............................238
SmartKey.......................................262
Tires............................................... 258
Vehicle ...........................................260
Distancerecorder.............................222
see Trip odometer
Distancewarning (warning lamp)....275
DISTRONIC PLUS
Activating ....................................... 180
Activationconditions.....................180
Deactivating ................................... 184
Display message............................255
Displaysinthe multifunction
display...........................................184
Function/notes.............................177
Important safety notes..................177
Setting the specified minimum
distance.........................................183
Warning lamp ................................. 275
Doors
Automatic locking (on-board
computer)......................................232
Automatic locking (switch) ...............83
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) .......................................76
Control panel...................................38
Display message............................261
Emergency locking ........................... 84
Emergency unlocking.......................84
Important safety notes....................82
Opening (from inside)......................82
Drinking and driving.........................170
Drinks holder
see Bottle holder
Driveprogram
Automatic......................................160
Display...........................................155
Display (DIRECTSELECT lever)......156
Manual ...........................................161
Manual (AMG vehicles)..................162
Manual (vehicleswithSports
package AMG)...............................162
SETUP (on-board computer)..........234
Driveprogram selector.....................159
Driver's door
see Doors
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service.................311
Symmetrical low beam..................116
Driving on flooded roads..................174
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).......66
ADAPTIVE BRAKE.............................72
BAS (Brake Assist System)..............67
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) ...............................................67
Electronicbrake force distribution...71
ESP®(Electronic Stability
Program)..........................................68
ETS/4ETS (ElectronicTraction
System)...........................................69
Important safety information...........66
Overview..........................................66
PRE-SAFE®Brake .............................72
Driving systems
Active Blind Spot Assist.................211
Active Driving Assistance
package.........................................211
Active Lane Keeping Assist............214
Active Parking Assist.....................196
AIRMATIC......................................189
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system...........................................190
ATTENTION ASSIST........................203
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 207
Cruise control................................175
Display message............................251
DISTRONICPLUS...........................177
HOLD function...............................186
Lane Keeping Assist......................209
Lane Tracking package..................207
NightView Assist Plus...................204
PARKTRONIC.................................193
RACESTART (AMG vehicles)..........188
Rearview camera..........................199
8Index

If ESP®detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desiredbythe driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle.The engine output is also modified to
keep the vehicle on the desired course within
physical limits. ESP®assists the driver when
pulling away on wet or slippery roads. ESP®
can also stabilize the vehicle during braking.
If ESP®intervenes, theESP®warning
lamp flashes in the instrumentcluster.
If ESP®intervenes:
XDo not deactivateESP®under any
circumstances.
XOnly depressthe accelerator pedal as far
as necessary when pulling away.
XAdapt your drivingstyle to suit the
prevailing road and weatherconditions.
iOnly use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP®function
properly.
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
ETS/4ETS traction control is part of ESP®.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels
individuallyifthey spin. This enables you to
pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces,
for example if the road surface is slippery on
one side. In addition, more drive torque is
transferred to the wheel or wheels with
traction.
Traction control remains active, even if you
deactivate ESP®.
Deactivating/activating ESP®(except
AMG vehicles)
GWARNING
If you deactivate ESP®,ESP®no longer
stabilizes the vehicle. There is an increased
risk of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP®in the situations
described in the following.
!Avoid spinningthe driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP®deactivated.
You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
XTo deactivate:(Ypage 227).
The ESP®OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
XTo activate:(Ypage 227).
The ESP®OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
ESP®is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically when the vehicle
stops moving. The engine starts
automatically when the driver wants to pull
away again. ESP®remains in its previously
selected status. Example: if ESP®was
deactivated before the engine was switched
off, ESP®remains deactivated when the
engine is switched on again.
If ESP®is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, theESP®warning lamp in
the instrument cluster flashes. In such
situations, ESP®will not stabilize the vehicle.
It may be best to deactivate ESP®in the
following situations:
Rwhen using snow chains
Rin deep snow
Ron sand or gravel
If you deactivate ESP®:
RESP®no longer improves driving stability.
Rtraction control is still activated.
RESP®still provides support when you
brake.
Rengine torque is not limited and the drive
wheels are able to spin. The spinning
wheels produceacutting effect for better
traction.
Driving safety systems69
Safety
Z

Deactivating/activating ESP®(AMG
vehicles)
Activating/deactivating SPORT handling
mode
GWARNING
WhenSPORT handling mode is activated,
there isagreater risk of skidding and
accidents.
Only activateSPORT handling mode in the
situations described in the following.
XTo activate:briefly press button.
TheSPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.
TheSPORT handling modemessage
appears in the multifunction display.
SPORT handling mode is designed for
driving on designated roads when the
vehicle's own oversteering and
understeering characteristics are desired.
DrivinginSPORT handling mode requires
an extremely qualified and experienced
driver who is able to cope with these critical
driving conditions.
XTo deactivate:briefly press button.
TheSPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.
ESP®is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
It may be best to activateSPORT handling
mode in the following situations:
Rwhen using snow chains
Rin deep snow
Ron sand or gravel
If SPORT handling mode is activated and one
or more wheels start to spin, theESP®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. ESP®only stabilizes the vehicle to a
limited degree.
When SPORT handling mode is activated:
RESP®only improves driving stability to a
limited degree.
Rtraction control is still activated.
RESP®still provides support when you
brake.
Rengine torque is only restricted toalimited
degree, and the drive wheels are able to
spin. The spinningwheels produce a
cutting effect for better traction.
Vehicles with ECO start/stop function: the
ECO start/stop function switches the engine
off automatically when the vehicle comes to
astop. The engine startsautomatically when
the driver wants to pull away again. ESP®
remains in its previously selected status. For
example, if ESP®was deactivated before the
engine was switched off, ESP®remains
deactivated when the engine is switched on
again.
Deactivating/activating ESP®
GWARNING
If you deactivate ESP®,ESP®no longer
stabilizes the vehicle. There is an increased
risk of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP®in the situations
described in the following.
!Avoid spinningthe driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP®deactivated.
You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
70Driving safety systems
Safety

XTo deactivate:press buttonuntilthe
ESP®OFF warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster.
TheOFFmessage appearsinthe
multifunctiondisplay.
Deactivate ESP®when drivingon
designated roads when the vehicle's own
oversteeringand understeering
characteristics are desired. Drivingwithout
ESP®requiresanextremely qualified and
experienced driverwho is able to cope with
these critical driving conditions.
XTo activate:briefly press button.
The ESP®OFF warning lamp in the
instrumentcluster goes out. TheON
message appears in the multifunction
display.
ESP®is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
If ESP®is deactivated and one or morewheels
start to spin,theESP®warninglamp in
the instrumentcluster does not flash. In such
situations, ESP®will not stabilize the vehicle.
It may be best to deactivateESP®in the
followingsituations:
Rwhen using snowchains
Rin deep snow
Ron sand or gravel
If you deactivateESP®:
RESP®no longer improves drivingstability.
Rtraction control is still activated.
RPRE-SAFE®is no longer available, nor is it
activated if you brakefirmly and ESP®
intervenes.
RPRE-SAFE®Brake is no longer available, it
is also not activated if you brakefirmly and
ESP®intervenes.
RESP®still provides support when you
brake.
Rengine torque is no longer limited and the
drive wheels are able to spin.The spinning
wheels produceacuttingeffect for better
traction.
Vehicles with ECO start/stop function: the
ECO start/stop function switches the engine
off automatically when the vehicle comes to
astop. The engine starts automatically when
the driver wants to pull away again. ESP®
remains in its previously selected status. For
example, if ESP®was deactivated before the
engine was switched off, ESP®remains
deactivated when the engine is switched on
again.
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
iObserve the "Important safety notes"
section (Ypage 66).
GWARNING
If EBD has malfunctioned, the rear wheels can
still lock, e.g. under full braking. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident.
You should therefore adapt your driving style
to the different handling characteristics. Have
the brake system checked ataqualified
specialist workshop.
Observe information regarding indicator and
warning lamps (Ypage 267) as well as
displaymessages (Ypage 240).
EBD monitors and controls the brake
pressure on the rear wheels to improve
driving stability while braking.
Driving safety systems71
Safety
Z

If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
XShift the transmission to positionN.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces.Avoid sudden acceleration, steering
and braking maneuvers. Do not use the cruise
control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
iFor more information on driving with
snow chains, see (Ypage337).
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitablefor that purpose.
Changes in the outside temperature are
displayed afterashort delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areasoronbridges. The
vehiclecouldskid if you fail to adapt your
driving style.Always adapt your drivingstyle
and drive ataspeed to suit the prevailing
weatherconditions.
You should pay special attention to road
conditions when temperatures are around
freezingpoint.
Driving systems
Cruise control
Important safety notes
Cruise control maintainsaconstant road
speed for you. It brakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden, you must select shift range
1,2or3in good time. By doing so, you will
make use of the braking effect of the engine.
This relieves the load on the brake system and
preventsthe brakes from overheating and
wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic
conditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed foraprolonged period. You can
store any road speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h).
If you fail to adapt your driving style, cruise
control can neither reduce the risk of an
accident nor override the laws of physics.
Cruise control cannot take into account the
road, traffic and weather conditions. Cruise
control is only an aid. You are responsible for
the distance to the vehicle in front,for vehicle
speed, for braking in good time and for
staying in your lane.
Do not use cruise control:
Rin road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintainaconstant speed e.g.
in heavy traffic or on winding roads
Ron slippery road surfaces. Brakingor
accelerating could cause the drive wheels
to lose traction and the vehicle could then
skid
Rwhen there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
If there isachange of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
General notes
Cruise control maintainsaconstant road
speed for you. It brakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden, you must select shift range
1,2or3in good time. By doing so, you will
make use of the braking effect of the engine,
which relieves the load on the brake system
and preventsthe brakes from overheating
and wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic
conditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed foraprolonged period. You can
store any road speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h).
Driving systems175
Driving and parking
Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andSolutions
Check
Tires
The tire pressureinoneor moretires has dropped significantly.
The wheelposition is displayed in themultifunction display.
Awarning tone also sounds.
GWARNING
Withtirepressureswhichare toolow, there isariskofthe
following hazards:
Rthey may burst, especiallyasthe load and vehicle speed
increase.
Rthey may wear excessively and/or unevenly, which may greatly
impair tire traction.
Rthe driving characteristics, as well as steering and braking, may
be greatly impaired.
There isarisk of an accident.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditionsasyou do so.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 167).
XCheck the tires and, if necessary, follow the instructions for a
flat tire (Ypage 321).
XCheck the tire pressure (Ypage 342).
XIf necessary, correct the tire pressure.
Warning
Tire Malfunction
The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped suddenly. The
wheel position is shown in the multifunction display.
GWARNING
If you drive withaflat tire, there isarisk of the following hazards:
Raflat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle.
Ryou could lose control of the vehicle.
Rcontinued driving withaflat tire will cause excessive heat build-
up and possiblyafire.
There isarisk of an accident.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditionsasyou do so.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 167).
XCheck the tires and, if necessary, follow the instructions for a
flat tire (Ypage 321).
Display messages259
On-board computer and displays
Z

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andSolutions

The yellowESP®
warning lamp flashes
while the vehicle is in
motion.
ESP®or traction control has intervened because there isarisk of
skidding or at least one wheel has started to spin.
Cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
XWhen pulling away,only depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary.
XEase off the accelerator pedal while the vehicle is in motion.
XAdapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
XDo not deactivate ESP®.
For exceptions, see: (Ypage 68).

The yellowESP®OFF
warning lamp is lit while
the engine is running.
ESP®is deactivated.
GWARNING
If ESP®is switched off, ESP®is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
XReactivate ESP®.
For exceptions, see: (Ypage 68).
XAdapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
If ESP®cannot be activated:
XDrive on carefully.
XHave ESP®checked ataqualified specialist workshop.

AMG vehicles only:
The yellow SPORT
handling mode warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.
SPORT handling mode is activated.
GWARNING
When SPORT handling mode is switched on, ESP®is unable to
stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
XOnly switch to SPORT handling mode in accordance with the
conditionsdescribed in the "Activating/deactivating SPORT
handling mode" section (Ypage 70).
270Indicator and warning lampsinthe instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

and wheels checked ataqualified specialist
workshop.
When parking your vehicle,makesure that
thetires do notget deformed by the curb or
other obstacles. If it is necessary to drive over
curbs, speed humps or similar elevations, try
to do so slowly and at an obtuse angle.
Otherwise, the tires, particularly the
sidewalls, may be damaged.
Regular checking of wheels and tires
GWARNING
Damaged tires can cause tire inflation
pressure loss. Asaresult, you could lose
control of your vehicle. There isarisk of
accident.
Check the tires regularly for signs of damage
and replace any damaged tires immediately.
Regularly checkthe wheels and tires of your
vehicle for damage at least onceamonth, as
well as after driving off-road or on rough
roads. Damaged wheels can causealoss of
tire pressure. Pay particular attention to
damage such as:
Rcuts in the tires
Rpunctures
Rtears in the tires
Rbulges on tires
Rdeformation or severe corrosion on wheels
Regularly check the tire tread depth and the
condition of the tread across the whole width
of the tire (Ypage 335). If necessary, turn
the front wheels to full lock in order to inspect
the inner side of the tire surface.
All wheels must haveavalve cap to protect
the valve against dirt and moisture. Do not
mount anything onto the valve other than the
standard valve cap or other valve caps
approved by Mercedes-Benzfor your vehicle.
Do not use any other valve caps or systems,
e.g. tire pressure monitoring systems.
Regularly check the pressure of all the tires
particularly prior to long trips. Adjust the tire
pressure as necessary (Ypage 338).
Observe the notes on the emergencyspare
wheel (Ypage 367).
The service life of tires depends, among other
things, on the following factors:
RDrivingstyle
RTire pressure
RDistance covered
Important safety notes on the tire
tread
GWARNING
Insufficient tire tread will reduce tire traction.
The tire is no longer able to dissipate water.
This means that on wet road surfaces, the risk
of hydroplaning increases, in particular where
speed is not adapted to suit the driving
conditions. There isarisk of accident.
If the tire pressure is too high or too low, tires
may exhibit different levels of wear at
different locations on the tire tread. Thus, you
should regularly check the tread depth and
the condition of the tread across the entire
width of all tires.
Minimum tire tread depth for:
RSummer tires:in (3 mm)
RM+S tires:in (4 mm)
For safety reasons, replace the tires before
the legally prescribed limit for the minimum
tire tread depth is reached.
Operation335
Wheels and tires
Z

Example:
RTreadweargrade:200
RTractiongrade:AA
RTemperature grade:A
All passengercar tires must conform to the
statutory safety requirements in additionto
these grades.
iTheactual values for tires arevehicle-
specificand maydeviate from the values in
the illustration.
Treadwear
The treadweargrade isacomparative rating
based on the wearrate of thetirewhen tested
undercontrolled conditions onaspecified
U.S. government course. For example,atire
graded 150 would wear one and one-half
times as well on the government course as a
tire graded 100.
The relative performanceoftires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from
the norm, due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate conditions.
Traction
GWARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
!Avoid wheelspin. This can lead to damage
to the drive train.
The traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent
the tire's ability to stop onawet surface as
measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt
and concrete.Atire markedCmay have poor
traction performance.
The safe speed onawet, snowcovered or icy
road is always lower than on dry road
surfaces.
You should pay special attention to road
conditions when temperatures are around
freezingpoint.
Mercedes-Benzrecommendsaminimum
tread depthofin(4mm)onall four winter
tires. Observe the legally required minimum
tire tread depth (Ypage335). Winter tires can
reduce the braking distance on snow-covered
surfaces in comparison with summer tires.
The braking distance is still much further than
on surfaces that are not icy or covered with
snow. Take appropriate care when driving.
Further informationonwinter tires (M+S
tires) (Ypage336).
Temperature
GWARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is
established foratire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause
excessive heat build-up and possible tire
failure.
The temperature grades areA(the highest),
B, and C. Theserepresent the tire's
resistancetothe generationofheat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions onaspecified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerateand reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden
tire failure. The gradeCcorresponds toalevel
of performancewhich all passenger car tires
must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. GradesBand A
represent higher levels of performanceonthe
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
350All about wheelsand tires
Wheels and tires